CT redoubles efforts to equip workforce for AI economy

Connecticut has decided that the solution to AI swallowing jobs is a workforce development programme. Because nothing says 'we know what we're doing' quite like a state-level pilot with an organisation called RAISE US — a name that sounds like a motivational poster from 1998. The plan also includes a quantum computing incubator, which is the policy equivalent of buying a telescope when your house is on fire. One wonders whether any of the officials involved have actually used a modern AI model, or whether they think 'prompt engineering' is what you do when a meeting runs late.

RAISE US, the chosen partner, is presumably tasked with retraining warehouse workers to become 'AI ethicists' or 'prompt whisperers' — roles that will definitely still exist once the autonomous systems start retraining themselves. The quantum incubator adds a lovely touch: because if you can't compete on classical AI, why not bet on the hardware that's been ten years away since 2015? It's the tech version of building a canal network in the age of flight.

The real joke? Connecticut's effort is almost certainly well-intentioned. But so was every other workforce development scheme since the Luddites. The gap between 'pilot programme' and 'millions of replaced workers' is a chasm these folks are trying to bridge with a quantum-powered pogo stick. Still, it's nice to see someone, somewhere, pretending the transition will be orderly. Pass the popcorn.